Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University) and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are partnering to make it easier for design grads with a diploma to become design grads with a degree.

“We are looking forward to cooperating,” said Dr. Dan O’Brien, acting president of NSCAD University, who sat down with Don Bureaux, president of NSCC, to sign the paperwork. “The more of these arrangements that we can make, the more options we can present to students.”

The idea is that students who complete a Diploma in Graphic Design at NSCC will then be able to “block transfer” their credits to NSCAD and complete a Bachelor of Design degree in two more years. Currently students at NSCC who wish to pursue further studies at NSCAD are admitted by individual assessment.

The articulation agreement between the two institutions has been under consideration over the past two years. Discussion is ongoing in regards to articulation agreements for two more programs—film and photography—at the two post-secondary schools.

“We are thrilled to work with NSCAD, adding to the approximately 50 agreements we have in place with post-secondary institutions,” said President Bureaux. “NSCC is focused on offering flexibility for our students through options like the creation of more pathways to help match our learners with their career objectives, removing barriers that might keep them from advancing and building on what they've learned.”

Added Christine Holzer-Hunt, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at NSCAD: “We’re excited about having a closer relationship with the community college and to streamline processes that make it easier for students to pursue a NSCAD degree in design.”

Dr. Dan O'Brien, acting president of NSCAD University, and Don Bureaux, president of NSCC, sign the five-year articulation agreement.